PET THERAPY

          

 

Let’s find out what Pet Therapy is, what its benefits and fields of application are.  Sometimes the cure is contact. When elderly people seem to close themselves in their wall of silence, when  autistic children are unable to interact with the outside world, when cancer patients lose their smile… getting in touch with an animal, immersing themselves in its vital energy, letting themselves be approached just enough to feel its sweetness can be a revolutionary experience.        

                                                                                                                             

What is pet therapy?                                                                                                                         

The term Pet Therapy literally means Therapy of the pet is of Anglo-Saxon origin. Coined by the American psychiatrist Boris Levinson, it dates back to the 1960s and defines a therapy focused on the positive effects of proximity between animals and people.  The expression Pet Therapy , widespread all over the world, has been replaced in Italy with the more appropriate one of Animal Assisted Interventions (IAA) , divided in turn into

AAA Activity assisted with animals (the playful aspect prevails)                                                                                

EAA Animal assisted education (educational aspect prevails)                                                                                     

TAA Animal assisted therapy (the therapeutic aspect prevails).                                                                           

In light of the numerous projects in this direction, the Ministry of Health has defined very precise guidelines in terms of Pet Therapy, aimed at guaranteeing a high-level service for users. Research on the subject is also constantly increasing.                                                                                                                    

The benefits of pet therapy                                                                                                                           

The benefits of Pet Therapy are both physical and psychological and derive from the relationship that is established between animal and user: the empathy that is created, in a completely natural way, generates positive effects on the protagonists.

Why does this happen? Entering into a relationship with animals is often easy even for those who, in everyday life, struggle to relate to their fellow men. Animals give themselves completely, they don't judge, they don't reject, they don't have prejudices and they bring a consistent energetic charge, thus opening the spaces of a spontaneous, affectionate, funny and delicate relationship.  In the moment of play or cuddle ... 

- the person's heart rate slows down 

-adrenaline and dopamine levels rise, with positive effects on mood and psychological state 

-anxieties and fears diminish

-stimuli for movement increase and sedentary lifestyle is reduced

Taking care of an animal or even just receiving its attention also increases self-esteem and a sense of responsibility. These benefits also last longer than the positive effects of other similar activities.                                                                                         

Children and animals                                                                                                                                     

Contact with an animal allows children to relate to someone other than themselves, understand the emotions they feel, develop a sense of responsibility and thus spend quality time.

Through the relationship with animals, children learn to take care of another, increasing self-esteem and self-confidence, fundamental elements for maturing in a balanced way. These interventions are tailored to the individual child, involving his entire reference environment. 

Pet therapy for people with Alzheimer                                                                                           

 

Pet Therapy brings many benefits to people with Alzheimer’s, especially in the early stages of the disease. The presence of an animal in the daily life of a patient with Alzheimer's in particular:      

• stimulates the patient's motor ability 
• arouses their interest
• improves depressive symptoms
• reduces agitation and aggression
• stimulates attention 
• increases the sense of responsibility
• strengthens self-esteem

Continuous scientific research shows how much this non-pharmacological therapy is functional to counteract the progress of the disease, especially when applied together with other activities, such as music therapy or physical exercise.   

By taking care of the animal, taking it on a leash, giving it food and brushing its fur, the Alzheimer's patient enters into a positive and nourishing relationship, a source of physical and emotional well-being. The only condition: that the animal (almost always a dog) is adequately prepared, through a course of  specialization.                                                                                                                                               

Which animals are best suited for pet therapy?

The animals involved in pet therapy can be dogs, horses, donkeys, cats, but also - especially abroad - rabbits, guinea pigs, llamas and alpacas. Each of these has different requirements, which make it eligible to participate in different projects. 

 Alessia, 4scB